Following The First Lady

First Lady Mary Pat Christie Names 26th New Jersey Hero

First Lady Mary Pat Christie named her 26th hero, Jodina Hicks, Executive Director of UrbanPromise. UrbanPromise started in 1988 as a summer camp for at-risk youth in Camden. In 25 years, they have expanded to now include an after school program for over 400 children throughout Camden, 2 schools (K-8 and High school), job training, experimental learning, and a host of other programs that challenge the youth to develop and realize their potential. It’s incredible what this program has been able to accomplish in 25 years. On average, 100% of UrbanPromise Academy high school students graduate and around 93% go on to college. Of UrbanPromise alumni, nearly 85% have graduated from an institution of higher education. First Lady Mary Pat Christie said, “Those numbers are a true testament on how successful the UrbanPromise program really is. Jodina, along with the passionate teachers, administrators, and other staff, are really making a difference in the lives of so many young people. It was an honor to name her a New Jersey Hero!” For more information on UrbanPromise, please visit their website: http://www.urbanpromiseusa.org/